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My dog licked his neuter incision after getting wet. Is it infected?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer | Male | 23 lbs
Our dog was neutered on Tuesday. Today is day 5 post surgery. Our dog was left unattended for about 3 hours and he managed to get his e-collar off and has been licking it for hours. It is reddened and possibly a tad bit bleeding. It also didn’t help that earlier today he fell in the water on accident and I am afraid it dissolved his sutures. Are you concerned about infection or the site opened or it is just irritated from the licking? I rinsed the site with normal saline. Please advise.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 24th, 2020
I suggest you get this wound spray gel to put on it until healed. This should keep it from getting infected.
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets I would not be worry about him getting it wet, that will not dissolve the sutures.
18Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on May 31st, 2019
It looks a little inflamed but not infected. I would call your vet and express your concerns, they may want to have a look at it to make sure everything is okay as a follow up to the surgery. Make sure he isn't able to lick or chew at the site as he could open his incision before it is finished healing. If he has to wear an Elizabethan collar, that's what needs to happen so he doesn't injure himself.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 29th, 2017
I can only see a little redness in the area of the neuter incision. I would continue to keep an eye on it for increased size, increased redness, warmth, discharge, etc. Keep Coach confined so he isn't moving around excessively, and if you see licking (even if it is only once!) he should wear an e-collar for ~5 days to allow for complete healing.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on July 31st, 2017
Surgery site is inflamed (probably more than normal) but does not look like clearly infected. The skin on the scrotum looks moderately inflamed as well. I would recommend a check up anyway to change collar (you can have some soft ones instead) and confirm this clinical suspicion.
Please feel free to take another picture (a closer one) and post it on the forum.2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 18th, 2017
That was naughty of Rufus to lick his stitches! Yes, I would definitely have him seen by a vet for this as the swelling can indicate infection, and the open part can introduce further infection into the incision or prevent proper healing. He may need an addition suture to close the incision, which the vet can place.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful